< Chapter 43: Laughing and Crying Over Obsessions (8) >
Chapter 43: Laughing and Crying Over Obsessions (8)
When the Minister of Revenue reached a positive conclusion, the situation proceeded smoothly.
"Then let's try operating the livestock farms and the soybean and tobacco fields."
As King Sejong was about to make a decision, Prime Minister Hwang Hee interjected.
"Your Majesty, it seems premature to construct nationwide livestock farms at this time."
"Why is that?"
Although Sejong and Hyang's expressions became sharp, Hwang Hee continued resolutely.
"Although the idea of the Crown Prince is truly beautiful, the environment is still inadequate. To build livestock farms, we need vast lands and water, but in the situation of the eight provinces of Joseon, such lands are already occupied by rice paddies and fields. If we were to build livestock farms, we would have to take away these cultivated lands, which would surely lead to resistance from the people."
"That makes sense."
Sejong nodded at Hwang Hee's point. He had made a hasty decision, thinking it was possible to create large-scale tobacco fields, but Hwang Hee had pointed out the issue.
"Then, Prime Minister, what do you suggest?"
"Since there is already a royal livestock farm on Nabeul Island, let's start the operation of livestock and tobacco fields there first. After the Hwachae (Chinese immigrants) who have volunteered as herders gain experience there, they can then move to the entire eight provinces. During this time, the court can purchase suitable lands for livestock farming."
Hwang Hee's suggestion was met with a counterargument from Hyang.
"Isn't it true that we don't necessarily need vast plains to raise cattle and pigs? Wouldn't hills near springs or slopes also be usable for livestock farms and tobacco fields?"
'What about the Daegwallyeong farm?'
In response to Hyang's point, Hwang Hee immediately explained why it was not feasible.
"Of course, that is possible. However, if we release cattle and pigs in such areas, they will most likely become prey for tigers and bears."
"Oh!"
Hwang Hee's point made Hyang, Sejong, and the ministers all sigh.
At this time, the mountains of Joseon belonged to tigers and bears. While bears did not cause significant damage, tigers frequently descended into villages, causing harm.
Reports of tigers descending into villages and capturing livestock or people came in at least 4-5 times a year. Each time, the court had to dispatch tiger hunters.
"Hmm... The tiger problem is an issue."
As Sejong expressed his regret, Hwang Hee reiterated his opinion.
"Along with that reason, we must also address the issue of the Hwachae. Regardless of age or gender, they are skilled at handling horses and are adept at fighting. To assimilate them into our Joseon civilians, we need to tame their temperament. By having them learn livestock farming at the Nabeul Island farm and taming them simultaneously, we can prevent major conflicts in the future."
"But Nabeul Island isn't big enough to accommodate the many cattle and pigs, as well as the Hwachae and those who will manage them, is it?"
In response to Sejong's question, the Minister of Personnel immediately answered.
"It is certainly possible! However, if the water of the Han River rises even a little, the area will be covered in sand, so we need to prepare for that."
"That will be quite a large project."
Sejong's comment prompted Hyang to propose a solution.
"Anyway, it's the spring famine period now. As I mentioned before, if we distribute rice to the people who are running out of food and make them work, it will be entirely possible."
As soon as Hyang finished speaking, the Minister of Personnel chimed in.
"If we mobilize the residents of Hanyang, Geumcheon, and Bucheon, we can certainly build the embankments."
"Is that so?"
In response to the Minister of Personnel's answer, Hwang Hee asked him a question.
"Nabeul Island is very large. Is it really possible with the people from just three regions?"
The Minister of Personnel replied to Hwang Hee's question.
"It would be difficult to complete it all at once, but if we build a wooden fence this year and reinforce it with stones and soil during next year's spring famine, it should be finished in 3-4 years. It won't be too much of a burden on the people."
The ministers, who had been calculating in their heads, all agreed.
"The Minister of Personnel's proposal seems reasonable."
"Then let's proceed with that plan. By the way, Crown Prince."
"Yes, Father."
"Upon reconsidering what you said earlier, 433 cattle remain after those to be sent to the livestock farms. What did you plan to do with them?"
Hyang answered Sejong's question simply.
"Why don't we provide the cattle to the people who have received the smallpox vaccine?"
"Provide them with the cattle?"
"Yes, even after receiving the vaccine, they will have a fever and need to recuperate for a while."
"That's true."
"Moreover, it's the spring famine period. As I mentioned before, we need to repair the dikes and reservoirs. During this time, a lot of effort will be required. Even if we distribute rice, their strength will surely be insufficient. I thought it would be good to give them cattle to help them regain their strength."
"Hmm..."
Sejong, who had been thinking deeply about Hyang's answer, looked at the ministers.
"I think it's a good idea. What do you think, ministers?"
The ministers, who had been doing various calculations in response to Sejong's question, all agreed.
"We think it's a truly good idea."
"Then let's proceed with that plan."
* * *
That evening, after the meeting between Sejong and the ministers ended, the Minister of Revenue visited the Donggung Palace.
"You did a great job today."
Hyang praised the Minister of Revenue, who smiled and shook his head.
"It was nothing. Rather, I feel regretful for not having thought of it earlier."
"Not at all. Because the Minister of Revenue did not oppose, things went smoothly."
Hyang's thoughts about pigs began when he visited Nabeul Island due to the smallpox issue. Seodol was washing the cattle to prepare for the smallpox vaccination and had taken out a silver needle.
"Ah! I have prepared the needle and other items."
"Ah! Is that so?"
Hyang searched his sleeve and took out a small tube containing the silver needle and another tube.
"I understand about the needle, but what is this?"
"It's cotton soaked in alcohol."
After completing the disinfection process, Hyang, who had vaccinated the cattle, took a moment to check the animals being raised on Nabeul Island.
"Is this a pig?"
"Yes, it is."
Seeing the pigs running around in front of him, Hyang turned to Seodol.
"Are these all grown?"
"Yes, they are."
"Wow..."
Hyang couldn't believe his eyes.
'Good grief! These pigs have a slender body type! And they're so small!'
The pigs running around in front of him were small and slender.
Back in the palace, Hyang was lost in thought.
"I need a lot of pig fat for my plan... but they're in such a state."
To solve the pig problem, Hyang called the Minister of Revenue, who had returned from a mission to Ming. He and the Minister of Revenue devised a plan, which was approved that day.
As the Minister of Revenue was about to get up after finishing the conversation with Hyang, he asked a question.
"By the way..."
"Yes?"
"Why is the Crown Prince so interested in pigs? While pork is tasty, it's not comparable to beef, is it?"
Hyang smiled and answered the Minister of Revenue's question.
"Pork is tasty in its own way, but what's important to me is the fat."
"Really?"
"You'll understand later."
"Yes... I see."
"Please go."
After seeing off the Minister of Revenue, Hyang muttered to himself.
"Soap might be a cliché, but for me, soap isn't the top priority. The by-products are what matter. And the same goes for tobacco fields."
* * *
On May 6th, Sejong gave an order to the Minister of Personnel.
"Make a more precise water clock."
"Understood, Your Majesty."
Upon receiving the order, the Minister of Personnel called Jang Yeong-sil, who was a special officer at the Office of Royal Attire.
"His Majesty has ordered the creation of a water clock. Gather skilled people and make it."
"Understood, sir."
Jang Yeong-sil bowed and answered.
Meanwhile, upon hearing the news, Hyang clenched his fist.
"Here it is! It's really here!"
Excited, Hyang began diligently searching through the scrolls stacked in one corner of his study.
After a while, Hyang found what he was looking for and called an attendant.
"Attendant!"
"Yes, Your Highness!"
"I need to go to the Office of Royal Attire! Please guide me!"
"Understood, Your Highness!"
Upon arriving at the Office of Royal Attire, Hyang immediately sought out Jang Yeong-sil.
"Who is Jang Yeong-sil, the special officer?"
One of the officials hurriedly approached and answered Hyang's question.
"Jang Yeong-sil is currently at the water clock. I will call him right away."
"No, don't. He's busy, isn't he? You said the water clock, right?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Understood. Then, thank you."
Hyang immediately headed to the water clock.
"Is that him?"
Hyang's gaze fell on a man who appeared to be in his early forties, observing the water clock. Next to the man was a sheet of paper with sketches of various mechanisms.
"Are you Jang Yeong-sil?"
The man turned at the sound of Hyang's voice behind him and quickly stood up to bow.
"This humble servant greets the Crown Prince!"
"Not so humble... If a 5th rank special officer is considered humble, people will start cursing."
"Forgive me, Your Highness!"
Hyang subtly moved to stand next to Jang Yeong-sil and started a conversation while looking at the water clock.
"Are you observing the water clock?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
"What do you think? Do you understand how it works?"
"I think I have a rough idea."
"Is that so? Can you make it easily, then?"
At Hyang's question, Jang Yeong-sil scratched his head.
"Calculating the values is a bit difficult."
"That's a problem."
Hyang's face became serious at Jang Yeong-sil's answer.
'Hey! I'm not good at advanced math either! What are you trying to say?'
While Hyang was pondering the sudden difficult problem, Jang Yeong-sil offered a solution.
"However, if Jeong Choe, the current Deputy Minister of Personnel, could help a little..."
"Jeong Choe?"
"He is currently the Deputy Minister of Personnel."
"Ah, I see!"
'Now I remember!'
Having found the solution to the problem, Hyang handed a bundle of scrolls to Jang Yeong-sil.
"What is this?"
"It's a clock I thought of."
"A clock?"
"This water clock is large. So, I designed a different type of clock to measure time."
What Hyang had designed was a mechanical clock that used the fall of a weight as its energy source.
"Hmm..."
As Jang Yeong-sil looked at the design, his expression became increasingly serious.
Although the Crown Prince was known for his eccentric behavior, Jang Yeong-sil had not expected much.
'A clock is not an easy thing. How absurd...'
However, the moment he saw the first page of the design, Jang Yeong-sil had to discard his prejudice. After examining the designs several times, Jang Yeong-sil turned to Hyang.
"Did Your Highness design this?"
"To be honest, about 30% of it is based on my knowledge."
'Actually, it's 100% based on 21st-century knowledge...'
The mechanical clock using a weight was relatively simple, so in the 21st century, various designs could be found on the internet. Not only designs using wood or metal, but even those using plastic or construction paper were available.
Given this situation, it was impossible for Hyang, an enthusiast, to just let it go.
< Chapter 43: Laughing and Crying Over Obsessions (8) > End